Blocking 5,885 Accounts, Authorities Successfully Paralyze International Online Gambling Syndicate
Jakarta – Law enforcement officers have again recorded a brilliant achievement in efforts to eradicate cybercrime, especially online gambling. Through cross-agency collaborative work, the Directorate of Cyber Crime (Dittipidsiber) of the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit has succeeded in uncovering a large cross-country online gambling network involving thousands of accounts and perpetrators from various countries.
Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency (Kabareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police, Commissioner General Pol. Wahyu Widada revealed that this disclosure was a follow-up to the report submitted by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). Based on the results of the analysis, there were 5,885 accounts that were indicated to be used in transactions related to online gambling.
ŇFrom the investigation conducted, we managed to confiscate Rp 75 billion, consisting of Rp 61 billion from 164 accounts and Rp 14 billion in cash. Thousands of other accounts are currently in the process of being blocked and further investigated,Ó said Commissioner General Wahyu.
In addition to the confiscation of accounts and funds, the Cyber Crime Directorate of the Criminal Investigation Unit has also handled 17 online gambling case files. Two of them have received legal decisions from the court. One of the major sites that was successfully uncovered was h55.hiwin.care, which is known to be the main platform for running the online gambling network activities. The suspects are strongly suspected of coming from abroad, especially from China.
The Director of Cyber Crimes at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, added that his party had referred the suspects to the Deputy Attorney General for General Crimes (Jampidum) of the Attorney General’s Office.
ŇThe suspects were handed over along with significant evidence, including two cars, nine mobile phones, five computers, two modems, five ATM cards, five savings books, one bank token, as well as Rp475 million in cash, US$25,000, Singapore dollars 1,000, and funds in accounts worth more than Rp5 billion,Ó explained Brigadier General Himawan.
This success reflects the strong commitment of law enforcement officers in maintaining the security of Indonesia’s digital space. This firm step against international online gambling networks is also a form of concrete support for the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to take firm action against cybercrime that damages the national social and economic order.
The government through the National Police and related institutions will continue to strengthen coordination and supervision of the digital financial system so that it is not exploited by irresponsible parties.
This firm step by OJK is a reflection of the state’s presence in protecting society from digital-based economic crime practices. However, efforts to eradicate online gambling and illegal online loans require active participation from all elements of society.
The public is urged not to engage in online gambling activities in any form. In addition to breaking the law, online gambling has the potential to damage morals, family economy, and open the way for transnational organized crime. Be aware of the cyber threats that lurk and let’s work together to maintain a healthy and safe digital space in Indonesia.
